Independence Day is here again. For some people, it means fireworks or parties or simply a day off.
If you’re at home, you might want to spend the time doing a movie marathon relevant to this holiday. To get you in the mood, Bulletin Entertainment lists films that might help unleash the inner #makabayan in you. (Screengrabs from Youtube)
“Dung-Aw (1975)”
Directed by Lino Brocka, “Dung-Aw” is a musical that takes a look at the heroism of 18th century revolutionary leader Gabriela Silang (played by Armida Siguion-Reyna).
With the film, scriptwriter Mario O’ Hara tries his utmost to depict the courage and compassion of Gabriela, despite limited information.
Set in the time of Spaniards’ usurpation of land, products and the indulto de comercio in the Philippines, land-owning couple Diego and Gabriela resorts to tricking the colonizers with the aid of their people.
A farm hand betrays them, leading to the assassination of Diego whose death leads Gabriela to pick up his bolo and lead the revolution herself despite great odds. She was eventually captured and publicly executed.
“Dung-Aw” refers to an Ilocano tradition of extolling a deceased person’s good deeds, much like the pasyon. In the film, Gabriela’s dung-aw extols her bravery and quest for freedom.
“Sakay (1993)”
“Sakay” is a drama film directed by Raymond Red and starring Julio Diaz.
It is about the life of Filipino patriot and hero Macario Sakay, who was declared an outlaw and a criminal for continuing hostilities against the United States after the “official” end of the Philippine–American War.
The film earned several awards for its director and for its lead actor particularly the Palme d’Or for Best Short Film at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival.
The film was produced by Ana Marie Datuin for Alpha Omega Productions. It was selected as one of the five entries to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) garnering the coveted Gatpuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award.
“Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita (2004)”
“Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita” is about love, betrayal and honor with World War II as setting. It is directed by Joel Lamangan and an official entry to the 30th MMFF.
It’s December 1941 and the simple folks of the quiet town of San Nicolas are unaware that war is nearly upon them. Inya (Judy Ann Santos) is a lovely young lady who has just married her childhood sweetheart Edilberto (Raymart Santiago) and they’re excited about starting a new family. Ignacio (Dennis Trillo) is Inya’s bestfriend, a gay man who has been in love with the handsome Edilberto for years. The arrival of the Japanese throws the town in chaos.
But Edilberto, Inya and Ignacio aren’t the only ones the war will change forever. Traitorous Japanese interpreter Maura (Angelu de Leon), strong-willed Tiyang Mabel (Jaclyn Jose), tough guy Anton (TJ Trinidad), and pure hearted Juliana (Iya Villania) also get caught in the winds of the war, and find themselves doing things they never thought they’d do… all for the hope of living another day.
The film garnered numerous awards including Best Supporting Actor (Dennis) at the 2004 MMFF; also Best Picture trophy at the 2005 Film Academy of the Philippines
“Ang Paglilitis Ni Andres Bonifacio (2010)”
“Ang Paglilitis Ni Andres Bonifacio” is the story of Andres Bonifacio’s mock trial under the revolutionary government of President Emilio Aguinaldo.
Andres, the Supremo of the Katipuneros, and Emilio, the president of the revolutionary government, both fought for the freedom of Filipinos. Yet, only one is meant to see its fruition.
Directed by Mario O’ Hara, “Ang Paglilitis Ni Andres Bonifacio” stars Alfred Vargas, Lance Raymundo, Miles Kanapi, Danielle Castaño, and Angelina Pineda, among others.
The film was the official entry to the 6th Cinemalaya Film Festival.
“Heneral Luna (2015)”
“Heneral Luna” is a biopic film depicting General Antonio Luna’s (played by John Arcilla) leadership of the Philippine Revolutionary Army during the Philippine-American War. It opens with the beginning of hostilities with the American colonizers, and ends with the assassination of Antonio on June 5, 1899 – a period in which he served as Supreme Chief of the Army under the First Philippine Republic.
Directed by Jerrold Tarog and produced by Artikulo Uno Productions, the film received critical acclaim for its cinematography, writing, acting and plot. The film was selected as Philippine entry to the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards.
With a production budget of 80 million pesos, it is one of the most expensive Filipino epic historical films ever released. On Sept. 29, 2015, it became the highest grossing Filipino historical film of all time.
Tags: 5 films to get you in the mood for Independence Day, Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita, Ana Marie Datuin, Cannes Film Festival, Dennis Trillo, historical films, Independence Day, Joel Lamangan, John Arcilla, Judy Ann Santos, Julio Diaz, Lino Brocka, Manila Bulletin, Manila Bulletin Entertainment, Mario O’ Hara, mb.com.ph, Metro Manila Film Festival
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